Germany's foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said on Wednesday that if the UK wants to maintain full access to the EU's single market, it must make compromises on consumer rights and environmental protection.
"By the end of this year, we need to be clear about the form of our relationship." In an article published in the German times weekly, MAS said of the transition period after brexit.
"So I want to be very frank: Yes, we all want zero tariffs and zero trade barriers, but it also means zero dumping and zero unfair competition. Without similar standards to protect our workers, our consumers and the environment, there can be no full access to the world's largest single market. "
As a result, the UK and the EU must negotiate their economic relations after brexit in a way that "does not harm the EU," MAS said.
On security and defence policy, MAS said that Britain and the EU need to develop new forms of cooperation, such as the establishment of the European Security Council.
The German Minister also hinted that the EU door would always be open to the UK.
Hot Model No.: